If you have rental property, a lot of time, money, and effort goes into providing your tenants with the best home possible. And the higher the property quality, the more you can charge in rent (along with the higher property value).
When it comes to choosing flooring for your property, which floor options are best for renters and landlords?
Read on to learn how to choose flooring for your rental property that you and your tenants will love.
Consider the Cost
As a landlord or property owner, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on luxury flooring for your renters. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable floor options out there that are still beautiful and durable.
Carpet is probably one of the lowest-cost options available, but vinyl sheet flooring is another great choice. The best way to determine your cost is to find out exactly what the square footage of your property is first.
Once you have the total square footage documented, you can start shopping for affordable flooring options. Check local flooring installation companies for deals. Many of them will offer landlords a discount, or they may have “scrap” flooring they are willing to sell you for a great price.
Another way to get discounted flooring for your property is to buy it in bulk. For example, if you are installing new floors throughout an entire apartment building, you can probably get a reduction in price per square foot.
How to Choose Flooring: Durability and Maintenance
When you are dealing with tenants, a lot of it comes down to two key things: durability and maintenance. You want to know how to choose flooring that’s durable enough to last for several years while also being easy to clean and maintain.
Carpeting is fairly durable, but it is also very vulnerable to stains and smells. It can also get snagged easily and certain types of carpet, like Berber, can be extremely difficult to repair.
When choosing flooring for your rental property, keep vinyl and laminate at the top of your list. Not only are these two flooring styles affordable, but they are also extremely durable so they can handle lots of traffic underfoot.
Vinyl and laminate can be manufactured to look like wood, stone, or tile so that they are attractive. These materials are also highly water-resistant which means you shouldn’t need to worry about permanent marks or stains (for the most part).
Repairing vinyl floors is easy and the material is flexible so they can be installed quickly with very little prep required. The same goes for laminate, although a finishing layer is recommended. Laminate floors can fade or become stained if the top layer gets worn out.
If you want something that is a little more high-end, check out engineered wood flooring. This alternative to hardwood is less expensive, beautiful to look at, and a lot easier to repair and maintain than real hardwood floors.
Keep it Neutral
As you explore your flooring options, remember to keep the color and style in mind. Not everyone will love an ornate tile or a trendy-colored linoleum.
When updating your rental properties, try to keep the floors as neutral as possible. Something in a light tan, classic oak, or even a gray should do just fine.
A neutral floor makes it easier for your tenants to decorate their home or apartment as they see fit. Flooring that is too busy or loud can turn potential renters off and it will limit your pool of tenants.
Make sure that you choose a flooring color that coordinates nicely with other items in the property such as the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The more things match, the more attractive and seamless your rental property will look.
Darker colors do a better job of hiding stains, while lighter colors make spaces appear larger and roomier. Ultimately, the color you choose is up to you, but consider something that is as versatile and as neutral as possible.
Don’t Forget the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Remember to choose the best types of flooring for your bathrooms and kitchen. Not all materials do well in moist environments, and you don’t want to spend extra money on floors that will soon end up wet and warped.
Ask your local home improvement store about what options are best for these areas. You can also consult with a local flooring company that can give you some good recommendations.
Ideally, you should install the same type of flooring throughout the property to save money and time. Flooring like waterproof vinyl is an excellent choice. This type of floor has several layers that will protect the subfloor from spills and excess moisture. Ceramic tile is another great option although it tends to be much more expensive.
Always make sure that you install flooring that can hold up well in wet environments. The more resilient the flooring is, the longer it will last, and the more you will be able to protect your investment. You will also save frustration by having happy tenants, too.
Find the Perfect Floor
Whether you are just starting out as a landlord or you are doing some remodeling, knowing how to choose flooring is key to a successful lease. Shop for great deals to find affordable options, and always choose floors that are durable, easy to maintain, and come in a neutral color. Choose fantastic flooring that your tenants or a future home-buyer would love!
With the right flooring in place, you will have a great rental property that your tenants will enjoy living in for years to come. Floors are the foundation of a sturdy rental property real estate business after all!
Read on for more great articles about property management, home improvement, and real estate articles!
